Recovery Minister Disappointed with Federal Funds

The Australian Federal Government has today announced less than half the amount of money Queensland needs for recovery after the recent floods.

According to the Minister of Community Recovery and Resilience, David Crisafulli, the Queensland had asked the Federal Government to match the $140 million for flood security and resilience as a minimum to help recover. The large portion of which, $100 million, would have been spent on betterment or improving infrastructure; with $40 million to go to mitigation.

Combined with Queensland Government’s funds, a total of $280 million would have been raised. However, the Federal Government’s announcement has only equated $57 million to the recovery.

Mr Crisafulli said, “At the same time, Julia Gillard announced $50 million for just one dam in Western Sydney.”

“The cynic in me thinks these funds are more about stemming the flood of votes from Western Sydney than helping Queensland stem the floodwaters that have devastated our communities.”

The $57 million Federal money announced today is divided into $40 million for betterment, $7 million for Roma, and $10 million for Ipswich – with many conditions to the offer.

“One of the most disappointing is that the $40 million betterment fund applies only to council assets.”

The Minister believes that the Federal Government should be falling over itself to grab Queensland’s offer for a 50-50 split for betterment projects, because the current model sees them paying three-quarters of the bill to rebuild time and time again.

“I understand it costs more upfront, but it will prevent the mind-numbingly stupid current model that continues to replace things like for like,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Someone has to stop communities facing the same issues every time it floods, and the time is now for the Federal Government to help us achieve that.”